BRONX, N.Y. — August 17, 2026 — The Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights festival will premiere its most expansive offering yet on November 21, now featuring access to select animal exhibits. An enhanced Children's Zoo experience invites guests to pet and feed gentle animals of the farmyard, while favorite exhibits World of Darkness and World of Reptiles allow guests to discover more amazing animals and warm up indoors. Holiday Lights brings one of New York’s most iconic destinations to life as a storybook-like wonderland where guests can stroll among millions of lights and encounter beloved animals, exclusively on select winter evenings through January 3.

This distinctive New York tradition offers a unique combination of engaging holiday interactives and wildlife education that can’t be replicated elsewhere in the city. Added this year, event goers can make nighttime memories feeding and petting animals during up-close encounters at the Children’s Zoo. The typically seasonal exhibit will be transformed into a festive moment with donkeys, sheep, goats, alpacas, and more in a cozy, picture-perfect backdrop. With the new inclusion of World of Darkness and World of Reptiles, where guests can spot fascinating species like two-toed sloths or Cuban crocodiles, this year’s Holiday Lights offers more special animal moments than ever.

“We’re proud to now offer access to select exhibits during Holiday Lights, inviting guests to meaningfully engage in new ways with the animals at the heart of our zoo,” said Craig Piper, Interim Executive Vice President of Zoos & Aquarium/Director of the Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society. “Alongside the cherished traditions so many families return for each year, animal experiences will add to the magic of Holiday Lights and further our mission to connect guests with wildlife through memories that last a lifetime.”

Like never before, Holiday Lights guests can move seamlessly from festivities to animal habitats thanks to NEW, late-night access to three celebrated exhibits:

  • Children’s Zoo Farmyard: Cozy up at this interactive space where guests can feed and pet gentle animals of the farmyard, transformed with festive décor and holiday lights.
  • World of Darkness: Step from glowing lantern trails into a world of nighttime wonder in this reverse light cycle exhibit, home to fascinating nocturnal animals from sloths to sand cats.
  • World of Reptiles: Heat up your holiday adventure in the company of iconic ectothermic reptiles and amphibians like crocodiles, anacondas, giant river turtles, and more.

The sprawling winter adventure continues throughout the park. By popular demand, new and familiar favorites stationed along the self-guided Holiday Lights trail offer the chance to make and partake in traditions only at the Bronx Zoo:

  • Lantern Safari: Stroll among more than 400 glowing wildlife lanterns spread across six geographically themed lantern trails.
  • Light Show Experiences: Enjoy a towering holiday tree with synchronized musical light performances and a dazzling walk-through Light Tunnel.
  • Holiday Train: Climb aboard the family-favorite kids’ ride.
  • Freeze Zone: Race down a thrilling snow tube slide, take your seat on an epic illuminated ice-themed throne, snap photos with snowmen, and toss virtual snowballs.
  • Ice Carving: Witness expert artists craft wildlife art from giant ice blocks.
  • Illuminated Performers: Encounter and pose for photos with animal-themed illuminated performers.
  • Wildlife Theater: Watch the Bronx Zoo's own theater company lead puppet shows and wildlife trivia.
  • Music Wall: Get into the groove with a NEW music wall and instruments at Somba Village.
  • S’mores at The Patio: Warm up at a crackling fire pit and roast marshmallows to sandwich between a chocolate and graham cracker crunch.
  • Seasonal Treats: Sip and snack on hot cocoa, adult beverages, warm pretzels, and more at in-house refreshment stations.

The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Con Edison and Supporting Sponsor Stonyfield Organic. The celebration will run on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, offering families, friends, and visitors access to a must-visit New York destination in its most magical form. Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance. This year, Holiday Lights tickets grant earlier park access beginning at 1 p.m., combining the value of a daytime zoo visit with the magic of a nighttime adventure. Visit BronxZoo.com/holiday-lights/tickets to view available dates and times and book your visit.

Event Details

  • Event dates: Nov. 21-22, Nov. 27-29, Dec. 3-6, Dec. 10-13, Dec. 17-23, Dec. 26-31, Jan. 2-3
    • Free WCS Member Preview Nights: Nov. 19-20
    • Sensory Inclusive Night: Dec. 3, 2025
  • Lights and lantern trails turn on at 4:30 p.m.; final park entry is at 8:00 p.m.

A media preview and opening ceremonies will be held on November 19 at 5:00 p.m. Working media should RSVP in advance to crombach@wcs.org and are encouraged to arrive by 4:30 p.m.